With two beautiful studios in town, Cheltenham Pilates & Yoga offers over 100 classes a week. Focussing specifically on Pilates, SoGlos chatted to owner and Pilates guru, Nicky about why everyone needs to give Pilates a go this year.

SoGlos found out why everyone needs to give Pilates a go this year.

From finding out the benefits of Pilates to discovering what the real difference is between Barre, Reformer and other forms of Pilates, SoGlos chats to owner of Cheltenham Pilates & Yoga, Nicky Gladman.

With 16 years of teaching on her side, Pilates and specialist one-to-one teacher, Nicky, explains why just about everyone should try out Pilates and why this form of exercise is taking the world by storm.

There are so many different types of Pilates, what’s the difference?

Mat classes are on a mat on the floor and there’s a whole body of Pilates exercises for beginners as well as much more advanced moves. These classes also use balls, blocks, bands and fitness circles which can challenge the movement or be more supportive.

We also offer group reformer classes which are machines just a bit wider than a rowing machine. Reformers have a platform that you can sit, kneel or stand on along with springs, ropes and pulleys which work the body. You can be a complete beginner in reformer classes too.

As well as that, we have seated Pilates classes, which are great for older people, as well as pregnancy reformer classes. Also our popular and high energy barre classes are based on the principles of Pilates and dance conditioning.

What is it about a class that makes it more difficult?

It’s mainly the difficulty of the movements which make it more challenging. But, it’s also about good technique because it’s not just about putting your arms and legs in the right positions, it’s how you’re doing it. It’s very much a mind-body form of exercise.

What would you say is the biggest benefit of Pilates?

There are so many. What’s great about it is it’s really suitable for everyone. We have clients who are in their teens right through to those in their 80s – and both men and women!

It improves your core strength, muscle tone and joint mobility. It’s great for back pain, helps to prevent injury which is why a lot of elite athletes do Pilates. It’s great for your posture and a lot of older people can make really quick changes to being more upright and improving their back muscles. Another huge benefit is for those pre or post an operation. It’s also a mindful form of exercise, it’s makes you much more body aware.

Breathing is also really important – we coordinate the movements to the breath and it’s great for destressing.

Can Pilates help you get in shape?

Pilates isn’t cardio but you’ll definitely get more toned. It really gives you long and lean muscles, rather than bulky muscles. You definitely work hard in all classes and it does help you change shape.

What is the biggest misconception about Pilates?

That it’s just for girls or that you’ve got be fit and flexible to do it. There’s also a misconception that mat Pilates is all there is.

A lot of people are nervous about trying out Pilates but that’s a huge part of what we care about. We really are a very friendly studio and there’s a really lovely atmosphere. Classes will have a maximum of 10 students so you’ll have plenty of time with the teacher too.